The Wabash Carnegie Public Library has been awarded an $8,399 LSTA Technology grant to develop a mobile laptop lab and offer free computer classes to the public. Grant money will fund the purchase eight laptops, a storage cart and charging station, software and instructor costs for computer classes.

“The library is very excited about the new opportunities resulting from this LSTA Grant awarded to the Wabash Carnegie Public Library,” said WCPL Director Ware Wimberly III. “The library looks forward to providing new learning and teaching opportunities that this grant will provide to patrons and staff. Particular thanks goes to Laura Beutler and Polly Howell from the library staff, who worked tirelessly to secure this grant.”

Computer classes will be open to WCPL patrons from teenagers to senior citizens and will cover a variety of topics including basic computer and Internet skills, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, e-reader and Overdrive use, online library services and resume creation training. Class topics were determined using a survey completed by WCPL patrons early this year.

Library staff will utilize the laptops for group training in new library databases and technology and continuing education courses.

For more information about WCPL’s LSTA grant, contact the library at 260-563-2972, email WCPL at general@wabash.lib.in.us or visit the library’s website, www.wabash.lib.in.us.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services support this project under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Indiana State Library. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Through grant making, policy development and research, IMLS helps communities and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.